Guinchio a Galera is the first branch abroad of a Portuguese Michelin-starred restaurant. The mothership, Fortaleza a Galera, is located in Cascais. It did not get the star in Macau, though.
The restaurant occupies a large room on the third level of the Lisboa Hotel that was formerly hosting Joel Robuchon (now relocated to the fancier Grand Lisboa).
The visit
I decided to have the tasting menu, which is varied monthly, so do not expect to find exact the same dishes if you go for this menu.
The bread basket was promptly provided and was excellent. It included soft banana bread and classic Portuguese brad with bits of ham.
Their first dish was called “Black and white”. The black was squid ink and the white squid meat. Some uni was added for good measure. The squid was very tender. A very good dish.
The second dish was a creamy slow-cooked oxtail soup. Quite delicious.
The third dish (and first main) was a classic seafood rice. There was only a small layer of rice, while the plate was full of seafood: some Boston lobster, clams, shrimps, ad some crab meat. I was happy about he balance.
The fourth dish (and second main) featured pork in three styles. The pork crusted in herbs (and I believe slow-cooked) was the best.
Finally the waitress brought the dessert cart (very heavy to move!) to let me choose my dessert. I was allowed to pick two. I appreciated the showmanship involved and there were a lot of interesting desserts.
I ended up with a chocolate mousse cake and a rice pudding.
The check
The final expense after including water and service charge was 677.60 MOP (84 USD). Not a cheap meal, but overall acceptable. Service was commensurate with a five star venue. It was a nice lunch.
The lunch set option (418 MOP for three courses and dessert) was certainly a better deal.
Where in Macau:
3F, Lisboa Tower, Hotel Lisboa, 2-4 Avenida de Lisboa
Website: https://hotelisboa.com/dining/guincho-a-galera/?lang=en.